Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA.— On Saturday, Dec. 17, DeKalb County Government is partnering with local faith leaders to celebrate the 2022 holiday season by distributing 5,000 boxes of food. “The rising cost of groceries will make it more difficult for families to put food on their tables during this holiday season,” said DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond. “DeKalb County Government and our faith leaders are grateful for the opportunity to help provide some holiday joy to hardworking families.” Along with a 10-pound bag of chicken hindquarters, residents will receive one 20-pound box of food that will include fruits, vegetables and a…

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit is asking for public assistance in locating a murder suspect. A murder warrant has been issued for Rakwon Sadek Brooks, 25, in connection with the July 1, 2022 shooting death of Quakari Freeman on Holcombe Road in Decatur. If located, do not approach, as this suspect may be armed. Anyone who has information regarding the whereabouts of Rakwon Sadek Brooks is asked to contact the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit by calling CrimeStoppers at 404-577- TIPS. You may be eligible for a reward, if the information you provide leads to…

Voices of Faith Church has announced that it will usher in the New Year with a renewed mission to attract new members at its Stone Mountain and Conyers, GA campuses. Bishop Gary Hawkins, Sr., who founded Voices of Faith 28 years ago, said the church is rebranding itself with a new logo and new worship services. The changes will become effective on Jan. 1, 2023. “The year 2023 will be a year of resurgence for Voices of Faith Church,” said Bishop Hawkins. “We have remodeled our sanctuary and we have new service times that will allow us to attract those…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA. – In observance of Christmas Day on Monday, Dec. 26, and New Year’s Day on Monday, Jan. 2, sanitation service for residential customers will be based on a revised holiday schedule as follows: Monday, Dec. 26, and Monday, Jan. 2 – Christmas Day and New Year’s Day observed. No collection service. Tuesday, Dec. 27, and Tuesday, Jan. 3 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection days are Monday, Dec. 26, and Monday, Jan. 2, will be serviced on Tuesday, Dec. 27, and Tuesday, Jan. 3. Wednesday, Dec. 28, and Wednesday, Jan. 4 – Residential customers whose regularly…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will offer a Winter Break Camp, Dec. 19 – 23, Dec. 27- 30 and Jan. 3 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The cost of the camp is $10 per day for children ages 5-12. Each participant must provide his or her own breakfast, lunch and snack. To register, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/parks and click the “Register Online” button. Residents can also register in person at any of the locations listed below: Exchange Recreation Center, 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA 30034 Gresham Recreation Center, 3113 Gresham Road, Atlanta, GA 30316 Hamilton Recreation Center, 3263 Chapel Street, Scottdale, GA 30079 Lucious Sanders Recreation…

By Mark Brock DCSD Athletics Specialist STONECREST, GA–Arabia Mountain High School’s girls’ basketball coach Jerry Jackson picked up career win 300 on Saturday with the Lady Rams’ 65-23 victory over Clarke Central. Jackson is in his sixth season (2018-2023) at Arabia Mountain where he has won 109-24. His team is currently 9-1 overall on the season following the win over Clarke Central. His teams at Arabia Mountain are perennial playoff contenders with five consecutive playoff appearances, including advancing to the Sweet 16 three times and the Elite 8 round once. The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) veteran coach also…

Congressman honors staff member Joshua Smith diagnosed with chordoma this year WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) announced today that he introduced a resolution to raise awareness of a rare form of cancer called chordoma after a member of his staff was diagnosed with the rare condition earlier this year. [Watch the Congressman’s floor speech HERE] Classified as a rare cancer of the spine and skull, chordoma is diagnosed in just 1,000 people worldwide every year, 300 of whom are in the United States. “Earlier this year, a member of my staff, Joshua Smith, was diagnosed with chordoma,” said Rep.…

DECATUR, GA–The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs, Commissioner Larry Johnson and the How Big Is Your Dream Foundation, Inc. collaborate to present “A Winter Teen Bash ” on Friday, Dec. 16,  6:30 p.m. at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur GA.  Youths ages 12 to 18 are encouraged to attend thie free event in celebration of completing the first semester of this school year and to participate in a charitable instrument drive. The event will consist of food, dancing, networking and feature live performances by twin sister duo and…